Following Liam Payne’s tragic death at the age of 31, tributes have been pouring in for the singer, including heartfelt messages from former One Direction bandmates Louis Tomlinson, Zayn Malik, Niall Horan, and Harry Styles.
Members of the much-loved British band One Direction are mourning the loss of Liam Payne, who died in Buenos Aires, Argentina on Wednesday. The singers issued a joint statement via the social media accounts of One Direction, sharing that they are “completely devastated by the news of Liam’s passing.” The message was signed by all members, including Malik, who left the band in 2015. “In time, and when everyone is able to, there will be more to say. But for now, we will take some time to grieve and process the loss of our brother, who we loved dearly,” read the statement. “The memories we shared with him will be treasured forever. For now, our thoughts are with his family, his friends, and the fans who loved him alongside us. We will miss him terribly. We love you Liam.”
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Tomlinson, Malik, and Styles also took to their personal accounts to pay tribute to Payne, accompanied by pictures from their time as bandmates. Malik, who posted a picture of him and Payne asleep, wrote: “I can’t help but think selfishly that there was [sic] so many more conversations for us to have in our lives. I never got to thank you for supporting me through some of the most difficult times in my life. When I was missing home as a 17 year old kid you would always be there with a positive outlook and reassuring smile and let me know that you were my friend and that was loved.” The Bradford-born singer also added that although the two “butted heads” from time to time, he “always secretly respected” Payne for it.
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Tomlinson shared a heartwarming picture of him and Payne on stage, writing that the late singer was “the most vital part of One Direction.” He added, “His experience from a young age, his perfect pitch, his stage presence, his gift for writing. The list goes on.” Referring to Payne’s seven-year-old son, Tomlinson said, “I want you to know that if Bear ever needs me I will be the Uncle he needs in his life and tell him stories of how amazing his dad was.”
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Styles shared a picture of Payne by himself at one of the band’s concerts, writing that “his greatest joy was making other people happy, and it was an honor to be alongside him as he did it.” The 30-year-old reflected on Payne’s personality and their time as bandmates, and wrote: “Liam lived wide open, with his heart on his sleeve, he had an energy for life that was infectious. He was warm, supportive, and incredibly loving. The years we spent together will forever remain among the most cherished years of my life. I will miss him always, my lovely friend. My heart breaks for Karen, Geoff, Nicola and Ruth, his son Bear, and all those around the world who knew and loved him, as I did.”
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Horan, who recently met Payne at his concert in Argentina, expressed his bittersweet feelings over their last goodbye with a picture of him carrying his bandmate on his back. “I feel so fortunate that I got to see him recently. I sadly didn’t know that after saying goodbye and hugging him that evening, I would be saying goodbye forever. It’s heartbreaking,” he wrote.
Read more of the heartfelt tributes from Liam Payne’s loved ones below.
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So upsetting to hear the news of @LiamPayne passing😢 Sending love and condolences to his family & loved ones. 🙏 RIP my friend🥺
— Paris Hilton (@ParisHilton) October 16, 2024
Words can not express the emotions we are collectively feeling right now, and it seems like the rest of the world is in the same boat.
Our hearts go out to Liam’s family, friends, and Directioners around the world.
Rest in peace brother.
— Backstreet Boys (@backstreetboys) October 17, 2024
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I wish this news wasn’t true about Liam Payne. My heart breaks for his family especially his son Bear.
Rest in Peace 💔— Karen Elson (@KarenElson_) October 16, 2024
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